Premier Properties By Latty's Team

New Home Sales Up from Last Month

Latty M — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:47:06 +0000

Is the worst of it behind us? Many of us have been eagerly anticipating and watching the market to either see a turn in the economy or to be able to take advantage of the lowest prices we’ve seen in years. Either way, this article brings good news overall.

I’ve always said that if you’re in it for the long haul, now is a terrific time to purchase.

Post from: Premier Properties By Latty's Team

What’s HOT and What’s NOT?

Latty M — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:51:48 +0000

If you’re thinking about giving your place a face lift , why not make sure you’re on the cutting edge of the trends. Create the “WOW” factor when someone steps into your newly upgraded home. Here is an article that let’s you know, “What is Hot and What is Not” with regards to modern home decor. If the end result is to sell your home, your personal taste may have to be a bit compromised.

Click here to see the latest “hot trends” in home decor

Post from: Premier Properties By Latty's Team

Easy Home Improvements During a Recession

Latty M — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:45:02 +0000

We could all stand to save a little money during these tough economic times. With the price of gas and electricity on the rise, you should be aware of some home improvements that qualify for tax and government credits. I found a really great article that has 10 energy saving ideas on how to improve your home during a recession.

Click here for article

Post from: Premier Properties By Latty's Team

Should You Sell or Should You Rent?

Latty M — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:38:16 +0000

In this economy, people do not want to take a loss on their largest investment, their home. According to this article that touches on rebuilding your wealth, it may be a better idea to rent your property and get a majority of the mortgage paid. Owners are willing to take the minimal loss, and hope to make it up in the sale of your property when the market is back on the rise.

Click below for two articles that touch on this subject.

Article 1

Article 2

Click here for a simple calculator that gives a quick read on the economic viability of renting out, rather than selling your house

Post from: Premier Properties By Latty's Team

Is the Longest Recession Since World War II Coming to an End?

Latty M — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:06:57 +0000

I found an interesting article written by the Associated Press that is hinting that the longest recession since WWII will end no later than 2010. The majority of people believing that it will end in the Q3 of 2009. Although, that sounds like terrific news, it’s said that unemployment will still rise a bit more and consumer confidence will come back slowly.

I believe everyone will continue taking extra precautionary measures with anything having to do with finance in the next few years. I also believe that one of the most sound investments to make once the recession ends, will be in Real Estate. I am already beginning to notice inventory priced in the $500K -700K range have been moving due to the new FHA guidelines.

Click here to read the article

Post from: Premier Properties By Latty's Team

Home Prices Stabilizing?

Latty M — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:44:33 +0000

I read a positive Associated Press article recently stating that the gov’t reported less decline in the prices for smaller homes that in Q1. That would indicate that prices of homes in certain areas may be stabilizing. We’ve been waiting for the “bottom”….

Click here to read more

Post from: Premier Properties By Latty's Team

A Battle Plan for Refinancing Your Mortgage

Latty M — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:29:26 +0000

Homeowners seeking to refinance their mortgages may be surprised by the amount of paperwork required. During the “easy credit” years, some lenders did not require proof of income or documentation. Nowadays, most lenders require borrowers to provide pay stubs, banks statements, brokerage statements, and possibly tax returns. Self-employed individuals may be asked for a profit-and-loss statement. Those relying on bonus income should expect that most lenders will assume this year’s bonus will be a lot less than last year’s, which could make securing approval more difficult.

Determining the amount of equity in the home is key to being approved for a new loan. Homeowners whose mortgage obligations are less than 80 percent of the home’s value are more likely to have refinancing options available to them. Other homeowners who are current on their mortgages, owe 80 percent to 105 percent of the home’s value, and have a loan owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac may be able to refinance under the government’s “Making Home Affordable” program.

Other factors to take into consideration when refinancing are the property’s appraised value, the homeowners’ credit score(s), whether or not the property has a second mortgage, and the length of the original loan.

A very insightful article was put out by the Wall Street Journal that can help make your refinancing go a lot smoother.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

**Article from the California Association of Realtors

Post from: Premier Properties By Latty's Team

ATTRACT BUYERS WITH THESE EASY STAGING IDEAS

Latty M — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 22:19:39 +0000

Time for some spring cleaning! Romance is in the air, and it’s time to romance your prospective Buyers!

1.) Whip your yard into shape - Clear winter yard debris and invest in sod for some greenery.

2.) Box up the winter wardrobe - Winter clothes tend to take up a lot of space. Buyers look for storage space. A full closet could lead them to believe there isn’t enough space.

3.) Give the entry way a little face lift - Pick up a new welcome mat, especially if the current one you own worn and dirty. And you can pick up inexpensive items such as house numbers, and front door hardware to add to the curb appeal. These items can definitely set a great first impression.

4.) Aromatherapy - Bring the spring scents indoors. I like diffusers and candles. Fresh flowers can also change the overall feeling of the place.

5.) Give your home some new jewelry - You would be surprised what new hardware on cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom can do for your home. Keep the pattern consistent, especially in the same room. I suggest oild rubbed bronze hardware for traditional homes and spaces with dark countertops. Brushed aluminium or chrome is great w/stainless steel appliances and in homes w/a modern feel.

Post from: Premier Properties By Latty's Team

HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT CHART

Latty M — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:04:40 +0000

The California Association of Realtors recently released this chart that explains the basics about the current tax credit being offered by both Federal and State governments. This chart is extremely useful and may be able to answer a majority of your basic questions regarding how to qualify for this benefit.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Click here for the chart

Post from: Premier Properties By Latty's Team

Gain Seen In Pending Home Sales, Housing Affordability Sets New Record

Latty M — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:29:29 +0000

After all the dismal news the media is relaying about the state of the economy, I recently read an article that provides hope regarding the housing industry. It is definitely true, that if you have stable income, employment history and a decent credit score, now could possibly be the time for you to seriously consider purchasing a home. Never has there been a time where interest/mortgage rates have been low at the same time as low housing prices. Also, the $8,000 tax credit for First Time Home Buyers makes this an especially attractive time to invest. I know one of the questions that loom in people’s minds are “have the prices of homes hit bottom?” The true answer is, “I don’t know”. I do know that home prices haven’t been this low in a long time and my “prediction” is it should level out by the end of this year. Remember, Real Estate should be viewed as a LONG TERM investment. And if that is understood, the 25K - 50K it may drop, makes no significant difference.

Click here to read a more.

Post from: Premier Properties By Latty's Team